Louise Gertrude Hawkins

Louise G. Hawkins, 92, of Venice, FL passed away November 17, 2015. She was born January 24, 1923 in Winthrop, Massachusetts to John and Francis Coughlin. During her school years, Louise was an accomplished tennis player and swimmer and was a graduate of the acclaimed Katherine Gibbs School. She was a proud WWII veteran and served in the Navy’s WAVE division along with her older sister Marie. While stationed in Hollywood, FL, she met and married Alvin J. Hawkins and the two eventually settled in Louisville, KY.

Alvin worked for the L&R Railroad while Louise made a home for her husband and four children. After his passing, she eventually moved to Venice in 1978 to be closer to her relocated family. She worked as a purchasing clerk for the Venice Hospital before retiring and becoming a volunteer for Meals on Wheels. Louise also enjoyed volunteering at the Venice Little Theatre and appeared in productions such as The Wizard of Oz and Mame. She also served as the lighting designer for several plays in the 1980’s and 90’s.

Louise was an avid reader and enjoyed writing from an early age. Her talents were encouraged by her mother who was herself a ghostwriter for the Saturday Evening Post. Although she was raised Roman Catholic, she converted to being a Southern Baptist when she married her husband Alvin. She was a devout Christian throughout her life and was a member of the South Venice Baptist Church for several years.

Anyone who met Louise knew her to be a delight and funny person to be around. She was devoted to her family and her favorite moments were spending time with her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by her four children, June Hope-Brown of Sarasota, John Hawkins and James Hawkins of Venice and Joanna Wagle of North Port. She was also the proud grandmother to Laura, Jonathan, Michael, Craig, Tyler & Jacob and great-grandmother to Christian and Harper Rene.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:00am, Saturday December 12, 2015 at the Veterans Memorial Park in Englewood at the corner of Dearborn and Old Englewood Road.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider a donation to Tidewell Hospice, 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota Florida 34238 or online at tidewellhospice.org.